Everyone Loves Guitar

Craig Garber

We sit down and talk with celebrity guitar players, musicians and industry insiders, who share their backstory, as well as what makes them tick. If you love guitar, music, personal development & meaningful life lessons, then stick around… you’re in the right place. read less

Our Editor's Take

Everyone Loves Guitar is an interview podcast for people who love music. The show's host is Craig Garber, a lifelong guitar enthusiast. Before starting the podcast, Craig interviewed entrepreneurs as part of his day job. He decided to apply his skills to talks with professional guitarists and musicians.

Craig sits down for a long chat with a guest on every podcast episode. Most guests are not well-known to a broad audience but are no less talented. James Harrah has accompanied artists like Al Jarreau, Leonard Cohen, and Jewel. He talks about growing up in a religious household and then moving away from religion. Jame's spirituality evolved along with his guitar skills.

Dom Martin is an emerging blues guitarist. He grew up homeless on the streets of Belfast and overcame multiple addictions to get where he is now. He and Craig talk about their favorite guitars. Mike Miller is a session player. He has worked with Chick Corea, Quincy Jones, and other music luminaries. He talks about the role of gratitude in his life and his work.

Listeners may recognize some of Craig's guests on the podcast. Shannon Forrest was the touring drummer for Toto for a few years. He talks about changes in the music industry and his preference for analog tools. Joanne Shaw Taylor is a blues guitarist who has released eleven albums. She believes her musical path would have been more straightforward if she had been born a man. Adam Wakeman is a keyboardist and the son of Rick Wakeman of the band Yes. He talks about following in his father's footsteps and how he developed his own sound.

The Everyone Loves Guitar podcast may appeal to people who dream of becoming career musicians. There are stories of hardship but plenty of happy endings, too. Craig's guest's stories serve as a reminder that many musicians live by their art without becoming superstars.

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MusicMusic

Episodes

Steve Bell: HIS REAL SECRET BEHIND BUILDING HIS FAN BASE
3d ago
Steve Bell: HIS REAL SECRET BEHIND BUILDING HIS FAN BASE
☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Steve Bell interview, Steve shares his journey from being a musician in clubs to becoming a successful solo artist. He discusses receiving the Order of Canada, the impact of his father's work as a prison chaplain & lessons learned from his experiences in the prison environment and how they shaped his perspective on forgiveness and empathy. He also talks about the pivotal moment when he decided to step out on his own and pursue a career as a solo artist. The importance of being open to the universe and listening to the whispers of God, moving into the “wisdom years,” and realizing every moment is sacred and enchanted. How he and his partner er built Signpost Music… the emotional experience that inspired the song 'Moon Over Birkenau' and the transformative power of spending time in nature. Steve reflects on the magic of flow in musical performances and shares some of his most memorable musical experiences… the importance of humility and gratitude, treating others with kindness and respect, and learning from difficult times. Unexpected turns in his life, the toughest decisions he's had to make, and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. He shares the best advice he's ever received, which is to make peace with powerlessness, becoming more settled and less anxious, and loads more very cool and sincere wisdom Steve is a Winnipeg-based singer-songwriter who’s released 22 LPs over a 34-year career, with independent sales exceeding 400K units. Add 4 concert videos, 5 songbooks, recorded masterclasses & more than 3,000 live shows, and you have a massive body of work. Steve’s mostly known as a faith-inspired singer-songwriter, who is also an exceptional finger-style guitarist. Steve’s won 2 JUNO awards, numerous Western Canadian Music and Covenant awards, and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2021 he was recognized with the Order of Manitoba, and in 2022 he was inducted into the Order of Canada, which is an prestigious service award given to people whose service helped shaped Canadian society, and whose compassion has united communities. Steve’s most recent LP is an instrumental, called No Words, which came out in 2023. Steve lives with his wife, Nanci, in Winnipeg Manitoba
Mike Dimkic - The Cult, Bad Religion: STEVE JONES FINALLY PAID HIM BACK
Apr 6 2024
Mike Dimkic - The Cult, Bad Religion: STEVE JONES FINALLY PAID HIM BACK
☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Mike Dimkic Interview, Mike talks about growing up with a single mother who worked for Teen Magazine and was exposed to various music genres, and influenced his love for music. He also discusses the impact of divorce on his childhood & his father’s past as a successful UCLA athlete… how he connected with Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols, his early influences and the impact of punk rock, joining Steve Jones' band and the challenges they faced… the significance of life-changing events and how they shape a person… advice to aspiring musicians… how he connected with The Cult, and touring with Metallica… working in a shoe store full-time… feeling stagnant in The Cult and discovering Bad Religion, his audition for Bad Religion & the initial challenges of learning Bad Religion's songs… how growth as a guitar player in Bad Religion and the enjoyment he finds in playing music with the band. Lessons learned from getting older and the importance of appreciating the present moment… changes in his personality over the years and the importance of being less concerned with others' opinions. He emphasizes the value of experiences over material possessions and the joy he finds in playing music Since 2013, Mike’s been the guitarist with one of the biggest selling punk rock bands ever, Bad Religion. Mike started his career playing in California Punk bands. After connecting with Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols, he opened with Steve for The Cult. The Cult then asked Mike to join them as rhythm guitarist in 1993, and he was with them for 20 years. He also played on Suckerpunch’s self-titled LP. Mike’s a competitive cyclist and a former competitive long-distance runner
Jim Wilson - Mother Superior, Motor Sister, Rollins Band: ROLLINS TAUGHT ME A LOT
Mar 23 2024
Jim Wilson - Mother Superior, Motor Sister, Rollins Band: ROLLINS TAUGHT ME A LOT
☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Jim Wilson Interview, Jim talks about growing up in Delaware and MOVING to Los Angeles to pursue music. Stories about working at Tower Records and his encounters with Michael Jackson… the challenges and successes of forming and growing Mother Superior… putting out their first record independently… working with Henry Rollins, recording over 100 songs with him, and the takeaways from touring with Henry. We took a deep dive into specific songs like 'Illuminations,' 'Wounded Animal,' 'Pain,' & 'Mama,' Jim shares insights into his songwriting process and the inspirations behind his lyrics. Recording with George Clinton, playing in Japan, and working with Sparks and Daniel Lanois. Jim emphasizes the importance of patience and pacing in his career and the influence of his parents on his musical journey, lessons learned from getting older, and more. AWESOME and fun convo, with a very sincere artist Jim Wilson’s a founding member of the hard rock & blues band Mother Superior. The band released 10 LPs between 1993 & 2008. In 1999, Jim and the other members of Mother Superior were asked by Henry Rollins to back him up, and they became the 2nd incarnation of the Rollins Band. From 2000 to 2002, the band released 3 studio & 2 live LPs and one LP filled with Black Flag songs, which was recorded for charity. In 2015, Jim, along with Scott Ian from Anthrax and Scott’s wife, Pearl Aday (Meatloaf’s daughter) started a band called Motor Sister. The band released 2 LPs’, Ride (which had 12 covers of Mother Superior songs) and an LP of all originals called Get Off. Jim’s also been Daniel Lanois’ bassist and vocalist since 2002… in the late 2000’s he toured and recorded with Sparks, and Emmylou Harris. Jim also co-writes and records with Pearl Aday on her 3 solo LPs, and has a solo LP of his own, called Now Playing, which he made with Phil Jones.  Jim’s written songs and played on recordings for artists including Alice Cooper, Meat Loaf, George Clinton, Iggy Pop, and Lemmy. And as if that’s not enough, Jim also hosts 2 online radio shows called The Vinyl Shelf & Radio Rewind. Jim’s an OUTSTANDING talent in all areas - guitar, writing, singing, and arranging
Paul Jackson Jr: HIS TOP 3 SESSIONS & TOP 3 PERFORMANCES
Mar 20 2024
Paul Jackson Jr: HIS TOP 3 SESSIONS & TOP 3 PERFORMANCES
☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com Paul Jackson Jr Interview.: This one’s emotional: Paul’s first recording as a session player was with Lenny White, and the stories only get better from here: Working with George Benson, Patrice Rushen, Wah Wah Watson, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, BB King, Billy Preston, Stan Getz, Aretha Franklin, Joe Williams, Ray Parker Jr., Whitney Houston, Arturo Sandoval… Paul’s top 3 sessions & top 3 live performances, growing up in South Central LA and the incredible support and sacrifices his parents made for him, favorite guitars... dealing with the loss of his mom & others close to him… Disneyland, Richard Pryor, stupidity, and loads more. A TON of fun, love, and interesting stories all wrapped into one awesome conversation Paul Jackson, Jr. has been a first-call LA session guitarist for over 40 years. He’s played on LPs by Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Lenny White, BB King, Sonny Rollins, Billy Preston, Joe Sample, Lamont Dozier, The Jacksons, Jose Feliciano, Stan Getz, Aretha Franklin, Boz Scaggs, Freddie Hubbard, Alphonse Mouzon, Ella Fitzgerald. Michael Jackson (Thriller, Bad), Ray Parker Jr., Larry Graham, Herb Alpert, The Temptations, Ramsey Lewis, Chicago, Michael McDonald, Stanley Clarke, Earl Klugh, Isley Brothers, Quincy Jones, Elton John, Marcus Miller, Ray Charles, Abe Laboriel, George Duke, and literally HUNDREDS of others… and he has 10 solo LPs of his own
Russ Ballard, Argent: A BEAUTIFUL GUY WHOSE CHILDHOOD ACCIDENT CHANGED HIS LIFE
Mar 16 2024
Russ Ballard, Argent: A BEAUTIFUL GUY WHOSE CHILDHOOD ACCIDENT CHANGED HIS LIFE
☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Russ Ballard interview: An early secret to success Paul McCartney shared with him… why, sometimes you need medication… how he was a different person after he came out of his depression… coming out of his depression and into a blissful life… writing songs with Roger Daltrey… a terrible childhood accident which led him to having 10 operations over 3 years… getting a reading by a faith healer that turned out to be effective… his early musical journey, his experiences writing songs for other artists, and the impact of his songs on the music industry. A terrible story about losing a close friend… Russ shares stories about his time with the band Argent, his approach to songwriting, and the challenges he faced with burnout and depression. He also talks about the importance of discipline in songwriting and the changes he has witnessed in the music industry over the years… maintaining a positive outlook on life and the power of breathing and meditation. Russ discusses various topics, including his commitment to daily activities, the story behind his unique guitar, the impact of childhood experiences, the challenges of health issues, the complexity of love, and the evolution of personality. He also shares funny and embarrassing moments on stage, the importance of humor, the significance of passion and emotional connection in music and the importance of thoughtful questions. TONS of amazing and fun stories, and awesome life journeys. LOADS of fun, and positive vibes. Russ is the best!
Michael Rubin - King Falcon: LOST FRIEND TO HEROIN AT 15
Mar 9 2024
Michael Rubin - King Falcon: LOST FRIEND TO HEROIN AT 15
☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Michael Rubin interview, Mike discusses how he started playing guitar, the formation of King Falcon, and their experiences playing at South by Southwest and NAMM. Rubin also talks about the making of the 'When the Party's Over' video and how it helped them secure a record deal. He shares the inspiration behind some of their songs and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity…. his 1957 Stratocaster and the sentimental value it holds for him,  growing up in Whitestone, Queens, and the car culture that influenced his love for guitars. Michael discusses the challenges of navigating the music business today, particularly the pressure to be active on social media. He then dives into his vintage guitar collection, including his go-to guitars and the rarity of certain models. Finally, he shares his passion for vintage guitars and the joy of sharing them with others. Also, guitar theft, his favorite albums, life-changing events, self-reflection, hobbies, tough decisions, taking risks, and his happiest moment. Super cool, and extremely bright, you’ll be hearing more from Michael, for sure  Michael is the primary songwriter, vocalist and guitarist of the NYC rock trio, King Falcon. The band recently released their first LP called King Falcon
Mark Agnesi: HIS FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT GIBSON
Feb 17 2024
Mark Agnesi: HIS FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT GIBSON
☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Mark Agnesi interview, the director of brand experience for Gibson guitars shares his journey from a small town in Ohio to working in the music industry. He discusses his early music career, including starting a band and releasing an album at a young age. Mark also talks about his transition to marketing and the creation of the popular YouTube series, Guitar of the Day. He then explains his decision to leave Norms Rare Guitars and join Gibson, where he helped launch Gibson TV and produce high-quality content for the brand.  Mark discusses the creation of Gibson TV, Gibson Films, and Gibson Certified Vintage. He also talks about his role in designing and opening the Gibson Experience Centers and the importance of attention to detail in retail spaces. Mark discussed overcoming “Play Authentic” and  emphasizes the importance of patience in building an audience and the value of hard work… the  most important lesson life has taught him, the biggest change in his personality over the last 10 years… his upcoming line of Mark Agnesi guitars, and his guitar collection.  Mark emphasizes the importance of being nice and kind to others and shares his passion for cooking, sports, and buying guitars. He also talks about the challenges of maintaining an on-camera persona and separating it from his real personality. Mark's love for music and guitars shines through as he discusses his role at Gibson and his personal guitar collection.
Rene Merideth: HOW METALLICA CHANGED THE INDUSTRY
Feb 10 2024
Rene Merideth: HOW METALLICA CHANGED THE INDUSTRY
☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com In this Rene Merideth interview, the co-founder and COO of Exploration, shares her journey in the music industry. She discusses her early involvement with music as a roadie for her grandfather's gospel music band, the importance of problem-solving, confidence, and the ability to adapt. Rene shares her experience studying music business at Belmont University and the transition to artist management and publishing. She encourages artists to take control of their careers and not be afraid to promote themselves.  Rene shares her journey of finding order in chaos and taking a leap of faith by moving to Los Angeles. She discusses her experience starting at Windswept and becoming the head of West Coast licensing at BMG. Rene explains the complexities of mechanical licensing and the impact of Metallica's fight for the music industry. Finally, she introduces Exploration's copyright administration services.  This part of the conversation focuses on the support and services provided by Exploration in managing YouTube channels and dealing with copyright claims. It also highlights the importance of clean data and human interaction in music administration.  Rene offfers practical advice for artists in handling business aspects and difficult situations. She shares her experiences working with artists and their management, emphasizing the need to be adaptable in building relationships.  Rene also addresses the issue of sexual harassment and abuse, emphasizing the need for support and understanding... the lessons learned from getting older, including the challenges of perimenopause. She emphasizes the importance of always betting on yourself and speaking truth to power.  Renee also discusses her involvement with Janey's Fund, an organization that helps abused and neglected girls.